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Archive for February 9th, 2010

DIY Home Renovation Mistakes

A home remodelling or renovation project is not as simple as it may sound. Renovating a building is not just all about how it will look or function, but most significantly you have to consider what type of materials are used during the renovation, how are you going to work with your suppliers and contractors, etc. These of course will be covered by the person who will manage the project. Thus before a renovation project starts, one of the most vital decisions to be made is who will manage the project.

You can either employ a professional who will do the work or alternatively, you can manage the project yourself. If you opt to manage the work yourself, make sure that you have sufficient experience to deal with this. According to Gail La Grouw, the following are some common mistakes done by owners who have decided to take over the role of managing the renovation project themselves,

1. Poor Planning

Creating a good plan is a critical part of your role as a project manager. The success of the project mostly depend on this. Your plan must include as much detail as possible. You have to consider planning for contingencies as well.

2. Poor Materials Management

Buying of the appropriate materials at the right time is a large job during renovation. Think about this job properly, as it can be a cause of delay to your schedule. You can also get additional cost if you do not have your materials at the needed time.

3. Poor Record Keeping

File everything especially matters that have to do with funds. Record keeping must be done everyday. You surely will miss something in your list if you do it in an inconsistent way. Record keeping will also let you know precisely where you are in terms of time and dollars against the plan specification.

4. Not Managing The Work Site

Most subcontractors are seeking to reduce cost by ignoring a number of regulations and workplace safety items. This is a bad thing of course. Make sure that there is a proper insurance for their area of work.

5. Poor Communication

As home owners are not that knowledgeable with terms being used for renovation, miscommunication can happen along the way. Make sure that when you do not understand things, clear it up, but never loose your confidence in front of your contractors of course.

6. Poor Change Management Control

All changes made during the renovation process must be documented and sign off.

7. Not Keeping Check of the Budget

Watch your budget, as most projects will overrun the initial estimate, make sure to add some percentage of your budget for your contingency plans.

Learn more about Home Renovation Tips and the best Renovation Singapore Contractors from our list most recommended renovation and interior designing companies.

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